Agm 2025 Election Results

Theatre Forum CLG, trading as Performing Arts Forum, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) online via Zoom on Friday, 26 September 2024, at 11.00. 

Members were given the opportunity to vote on changes to the constitution, learn more about the organisation’s strategy and upcoming initiatives. Attendees who had up-to-date memberships were able to vote during the meeting, while those unable to attend had the option to appoint a proxy.

• Election Result 
  We are pleased to announce three candidates were elected: Mary Boland (re-elected), Orla Moloney (re-elected) and Katherine Murphy (newly elected). Biographies at the bottom of this page. More information on Board members here. We would also like to sincerely thank Janice de Bróithe for everything she has brought to the Board since she was co-opted. Her commitment, generosity and insight have made an enormous difference and we look forward to continue working closely with her.
• Amendments made to the constitution
  The following resolutions were passed in connection with the organisation’s constitution. This will now be updated to reflect these changes.
  • • Resolution 3
      Article 35 will now be changed to read:
      ‘Where a matter is being decided (whether on a show of hands or on a poll) every individual member present in person or by proxy and every company member acting by its nominated representative present in person by proxy shall have one vote. Affiliated members shall be entitled to attend and speak at all general meetings of the Company but shall not be entitled to vote.’Note this resolution removes the existing weighted voting system of 3:1 and reflects the values of Performing Arts Forum, particularly our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It ensures that every member, regardless of their category, has an equal voice in shaping the future of the organisation.
    • Resolution 4
      Article 50 was changed to read: ‘The Company shall have a minimum of nine and a maximum of twelve directors, not less than nine of whom shall be elected in accordance with articles 51 – 55 (inclusive) and not more than three of whom shall be non-elected directors, co-opted by the Board in accordance with article 56.’
    • Resolution 5
      A new Article 21(b) was added, as follows:
      (a) General meetings of the Company shall be held in the State at such time and at such place as the Board shall appoint.
      (b) Notwithstanding the preceding sub-article, a general meeting of the Company may take place wholly or partly online with the use of communications technology if the Board shall so direct and provided the conditions laid down in Section 176A of the Act (as inserted by Section 12 of the Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Act 2024) are complied with)Note this resolution formalises the inclusion of online meetings within the Constitution.

Chair’s Report
Report on January–December 2024 Activities

This report accompanies the 2024 Directors’ Report and Financial Statements, presented at the AGM on 26 September 2025.

This is the company’s 22nd AGM and my first report as Chair. I am delighted to share highlights from 2024, a landmark year in which the organisation formally transitioned from Theatre Forum to Performing Arts Forum. This transition, supported by a new strategy and identity, has strengthened our role as a key point of connection for the performing arts sector in Ireland. 

While 2023 was pivotal in laying the groundwork, 2024 was a year of implementation, launching our new name and website, expanding our membership base, and deepening our role in supporting artists, arts workers, and organisations.

Financial Overview

Details of the organisation’s financial performance are set out in the Financial Statements. In 2024. In 2024, membership income grew significantly, reflecting the relevance of the organisation’s work and the increased value members place on its resources and programmes.

Programme of Activities

Launch of Performing Arts Forum
In May 2024, Theatre Forum officially became Performing Arts Forum. This milestone was celebrated with the launch of a redesigned website and the unveiling of our new tagline: Where Connection Creates Change. These developments reflect our mission to strengthen networks, foster collaboration, and provide practical resources for members.

The Gathering, Sligo
Also in May, the Sligo Gathering marked the first major event under our new name. Over two days, artists, producers, and organisations came together for keynotes, conversations, and an artistic programme. Supported by local authority bursaries, independent artists were enabled to attend in significant numbers. Attendance rose by 14% compared to 2023, a clear indication of our expanding reach and resonance across the sector.

Members’ Meetings
Regular members’ meetings took place across the year, tackling pressing sectoral issues such as funding challenges and resource development, while also providing spaces for peer learning and knowledge exchange.

Working Groups
2024 saw the establishment of two new working groups, Producers and Festivals, adding to the existing Arts Centre Working Group. Selected through open calls, these groups bring together members and board representatives to address shared challenges and opportunities. In 2025, the organisation will introduce an Independent Artists Working Group and an Arts Centres Visual Arts subgroup.

Artist Development: MAKE & Next Stage
The MAKE residency took place at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre in December, where 15 artists collaborated with renowned mentors.
In partnership with Dublin Theatre Festival, the Next Stage programme was delivered during the festival period, offering participants professional development and networking opportunities.

Audience Insights
Building on research presented in 2023, we published further findings in 2024, comparing aggregated audience data from 2019 and 2023 and presenting the results at the Sligo Gathering. Insights from post-show audience surveys informed a series of marketing forum events, helping organisations adapt audience engagement strategies.

Green Arts Initiative in Ireland
With support from Creative Carbon Scotland, our Green Arts Initiative expanded in 2024, supporting venues and companies to take action on climate change. Work also began on the Irish adaptation of the Theatre Green Book, to be launched in early 2025, an important step towards embedding sustainability in Irish arts practice.

Membership

Membership growth was a defining achievement of 2024. Total membership increased by 52%, rising from 205 in 2023 to 312 in 2024.

• Individual memberships almost doubled (+96%), from 95 to 186.
• Arts Centre memberships grew by 13%, from 55 to 62.
• Production Company memberships rose by 36%, from 22 to 30.

This growth reflects a broadening constituency of members across disciplines and roles, further positioning Performing Arts Forum as a central, trusted network for the performing arts sector.

2024 Year-End Outlook

As we reflect on 2024, it is clear that this was a year of growth, transition, and consolidation.. With our strategy, vision, and values guiding our work, we are committed to supporting members, enabling change, and building a stronger, more sustainable arts ecosystem. The momentum of this year provides a strong foundation for the next stage of development, particularly as we look to deepen sectoral engagement through new working groups. 

Closing Remarks

I wish to extend my sincere thanks to our members, partners, and sponsors, as well as to the Arts Council, our principal funder, for their continued support.

On behalf of the Board, I also want to acknowledge the commitment of our executive team. Irma, as Director, together with Eileen, Paul, and Mary, has led the organisation through this transformative year with dedication and vision.

Finally, I thank my fellow Board members for their leadership and support. Together, we look forward to building on the progress of 2024 and ensuring that Performing Arts Forum remains a place where connection creates change.

Thank you,
Mary Boland
Chair, Performing Arts Forum CLG
Date: 26 September 2025

More information on current Board members here

Elected Board Members

Mary Boland

Theatre Director at Theatre Royal Waterford

A native of Waterford Mary has been committed to supporting artists and arts activity throughout her 30-year career.  Since graduating from Samuel Beckett Centre, Trinity College Mary has spent many years working in a range of management roles in the arts sector.  She has worked as Production Manager on various theatre productions as well as Company Producer with Red Kettle Theatre Company.  Mary’s work has brought her to Donegal, Galway and Cork as well as her native Waterford.

With 13 years’ experience as Theatre Manager at the Theatre Royal, Mary has recently stepped into the role of Theatre Director incorporating the programming and artistic leadership of the organisation.  Mary continues to play a major role in the development of the venues journey while continuing to maximise on increased supports to artists through the venues annual programming strategy and resources.

As a venue partner with the South East Venues Network, Mary continues to deliver supports to the sector regionally.

Date of Appointment: September 2022

Orla Moloney

Executive Director at Project Arts Centre

Orla is Executive Director at Project Arts Centre, a multidisciplinary space in Dublin, which promotes exchange, experimentation and the presentation of extraordinary work that inspires and provokes. Orla manages human and financial resources and works closely with the Artistic Director, Board and executive in developing and implementing policy and strategy. In the last two years, Orla played a key role in the development of a new policy Towards Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, which sits at the heart of Project’s new five year strategy.

Previously, as Head of Arts Participation with the Arts Council/ An Chomhairle Ealíon (2007 – 2013), Orla managed funding relationships and application processes, and led on the development of new policies in Cultural Diversity, Arts and Disability, and Arts and Health. She has extensive experience in arts management, research, policy development, and evaluation, having worked both as an independent arts consultant, and in senior arts management roles e.g. Director, Bealtaine Festival; Acting Director, Droichead Arts Centre; Regional Development Manager, Music Network.

Orla holds a BA in Pure English and an MA in Adult and Community Education. She has served on the Boards of Dance Limerick, Create, and Barnstorm Theatre Company, and is currently on the Board of Music Network.

Date of Appointment: September 2022

Katherine Murphy

Programme Manager

Katherine is currently the Programme Manager of Dublin Fringe Festival. In this role she manages a year round artist support Programme (FRINGE LAB) and the annual open call for Ireland’s largest multidisciplinary Festival. Alongside the Festival Director, she helps to shape the overall artistic direction of the festival, ensuring it remains innovative and relevant. Before joining the Festival in January, she was Programme Manager in Irish Theatre Institute, where she managed a suite of artist support programmes, residencies, and Playography for over 7 years. She also played key roles in coordinating international networking events as part of Dublin Theatre Festival and Dublin Fringe Festival, ensuring Irish artists were connected with global opportunities.

An arts manager from Dublin, Katherine brings over a decade of experience in the creative sector. A 2014 graduate of Trinity College Dublin with a joint BA in Drama Studies and English Literature, she has since built an impressive career in Ireland, the UK, and the USA. Her roles with leading national and international organisations include Landmark Productions, TV3 (now Virgin Media), Brooklyn Web Fest, Day One, Super Paua, c Venues, and a previous position with Dublin Fringe Festival.